Gunmen Kidnap Two Chinese Nationals, Kill Five Nigerians in Lokoja
In a tragic incident on the outskirts of Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, gunmen kidnapped two Chinese nationals and killed five Nigerian security personnel at a mining site in Zango City.
The attack took place on Monday evening around 5 p.m. when a large group of armed assailants invaded the mining site. The victims included three vigilante members and two staff of the mining site. The gunmen, reportedly around 20 in number and many of them bearded, unleashed a barrage of gunfire during the 45-minute attack before abducting the two Chinese nationals.
Local residents described the harrowing scene, recounting the relentless gunfire echoing from the hills behind Al Azhar International School. Many locals, gripped by fear, hurriedly closed their shops and fled their homes to seek safety elsewhere.
A hunter involved in the evacuation of the deceased identified the fallen vigilantes as Abdulazeez, Tijani, and Yusuf. Disturbing photos of their remains were reportedly circulated among those who helped in the aftermath.
Abdul, a shop owner in Zango, shared his experience, saying, “Initially, we did not know what was happening, and the gunshots were loud. I had to leave the area along with other people out of fear. This is very bad and worrisome in the state capital. We urge the government to step up security in the state.”
Attempts to contact the police for a statement, including calls and messages to the Police Public Relations Officer, William Anya, were unsuccessful.
